Dental Hygienist needed in our dental office

Permanent Dental Hygienist Job

Fresno, CA

Job Description

• Understand and believe in what constitutes a “Healthy Mouth,” and compare each patient’s mouth to the standard using the “Healthy Mouth Baseline” as a tool.
• Collect data on new/reactivation patients via a comprehensive examination. 
• Update patient’s medical history, photos, Xrays, record blood pressure, uncover any new conditions, etc.
• Perform a comprehensive periodontal evaluation including probe depths, bleeding points, recessions, mobility, furcation, etc. Use “Standards of Care” and “Healthy Mouth Baseline” as guidelines. Chart any progress/decline and advise the patient.
• Identify failing dental restorations, decay and/or open contact, bruxism-wear
• Use the intraoral camera on every patient and use the photos to educate patients about their oral health.
• Perform oral prophylaxis, polish, and educate patients on home care instructions.
• Perform periodontal treatment on all patients as needed based on “Standards of Care” guidelines, including Arestin placement
• Perform oral cancer screening: palpation or VelScope
• Perform caries risk assessment: guide, CariScreen, Diagnodent
• Perform fluoride varnish, sealants, desensitizing
• Administer local anesthesia as needed
• Discuss any unscheduled treatment with patients, and use visual tools and verbal skills to educate and motivate them.
• Recommend appropriate hygiene products
• . Summarize your findings to the patients and educate them about the potential consequences of their condition is left untreated. Educate the patients regarding the next steps that the Doctor will likely recommend. Uncover any issues or concerns that the patient may have and alert the appropriate person (i.e., Treatment Coordinator).
• Advise the Doctor when a patient is ready for exam. Inform the Doctor of the patient’s periodontal score, what was completed during the visit, any unfinished treatments, recall intervals and any medical/personal concerns the patient may have. Include their “Personal Motivators” as appropriate.
• Schedule patients for a future continuing care appointment, emphasizing the need for continuous care and the recommended next appointment interval

• Perform a “Trust Transfer/Handoff” to either the Scheduling Coordinator or Treatment Coordinator.
• When available, assist in the cleanup and setup of treatment rooms.
• Sharpen hygiene hand tools and instruments and make recommendations when pieces need replacing/reordering.
• Participate in the Morning Huddle by reviewing patient charts prior to meeting and identifying scheduling concerns, unfinished treatments, patients who are difficult to work on, etc.
• Assist in asking “A” patients for referrals.
• Assist in building trust with all patients.
• Assist to uncover patients’ “Personal Motivators”.
• Cover other areas within the practice as needed and when needed.
• Serve as Patient Referral Liaision